Just what was said: The PM welcomes his new MPs

Stephen Harper welcomed the newest members of his caucus to Parliament Hill on Wednesday morning. After introducing each by name, the prime minister confessed that he has yet to tire of using the word “majority.”

Here is just some of what he had to say during his brief address to caucus:

“At the outset of this new mandate, there is another sense in which we must get back to work. Even as a majority government, especially in fact as a majority government, we must keep working to earn the trust of our fellow citizens. We must continue practising the lessons of the past five years, holding to our principles but also listening, caring and adapting.

“Friends and colleagues, as we get back to work for Canadians, I encourage you to pause and reflect. Tomorrow, these new members of our caucus will enter the House of Commons and take their seats for the first time in this new Parliament.

“I remember my first day and I think that the experience was not unusual. The room seemed inspiring and humbling at the same time.

“What a privilege it is for all us Members of Parliament to have such a role in building this magnificent country, our Canada.

“Remember always these things about our country. Its history is greater than our individual achievements. Its future is more promising than our political careers. It is the land of ancient Aboriginal societies. It is the enduring partnership of Macdonald, Cartier and their colleagues. It is the place where people of all cultures come from the world over to live in freedom, democracy and justice together.

Let the memory of our first day as Members of Parliament continue to inspire us all. Even more, let it keep us humble in the service of our country.”